DERMA: a large clinical trial in melanoma

DERMA is the name of a large, international clinical study looking at MAGE-A3 ASCI* in melanoma.

The DERMA study will involve approximately 1,300 patients. It is open to melanoma patients with stage 3B or 3C disease who have had their tumor successfully removed by an operation. For patients to be eligible, the cancer in their lymph nodes must be detectable without a microscope. This is called ‘macroscopic’ lymph node involvement.

In the study, 2 patients out of 3 will receive the MAGE-A3 ASCI*, while 1 patient out of 3 will receive a placebo control (a substance that has no treatment value). This is so doctors can see whether patients who receive ASCI* do better than patients who do not receive it. Neither doctors nor patients will know who is getting ASCI* and who is getting placebo. This information is only revealed after the study is finished, so that the results can be analyzed.

DERMA: now recruiting

If you are a patient with stage 3B or 3C melanoma skin cancer which has spread macroscopically to the lymph node and your tumor has been (or will be) removed by surgery, why not discuss the DERMA clinical study with your doctor? This study is an opportunity to possibly receive a treatment in addition to the standard treatment you have (or will have) already received for your cancer.

Clinical studies with new medicines and treatments can only be conducted according to strict rules and principles, with patients who volunteer. Not everyone with melanoma will be suitable to join the study. You can find more information about DERMA, including how to take part, on the DERMA Trial site. Use the link on the right of this page to get there.